Postal consent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Background-Standards for good practice in clinical risk management issued b y the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts indicate that "appropriate info rmation is provided to patients on the risks and benefits of proposed treat ment, and of the alternatives available before a signature on a consent for m is sought". Aims-To investigate the practicability and patient acceptability of a posta l information and consent booklet for patients undergoing outpatient gastro scopy. Methods-Information about gastroscopy procedure, personalised appointment d etails, and a carbonised consent form were compiled into a single booklet. This was mailed to patients well in advance of their endoscopic procedure. Patient satisfaction for this new process was assessed by questionnaire. Results-275 patients received a patient information booklet. Of these, 150 (54.5%) returned the consent form by post when they confirmed their attenda nce; 141 (94%) had signed the form, and the other nine requested further in formation. Of the remaining 125 booklets sent out, 115 (92%) forms were bro ught back on the day of the investigation having been previously signed. Th e remaining 10 (8%) required further information before signing the form. A n audit of 168 patients was used to test reaction to the booklet and the id ea of filling in the form before coming to hospital; 155 patients (92.2%) r eported the information given in the booklet to be "very useful", and all r eported it to be "clear and understandable". Conclusion-A specifically designed patient information booklet with integra l consent form is accepted by patients, and improves the level of understan ding prior to the investigation being carried out.